Euro 2025 Knockout Stage: Who Will Secure Their Spot?

As Euro 2025 progresses, discover which teams are on the brink of securing their place in the knockout stage and who faces elimination.

We've reached the second round of group-phase fixtures at Euro 2025, and with it comes the chance of teams either securing their place in the knockout stage, or being eliminated. England and Wales are both in trouble after opening-game defeats, while world champions Spain were ominously impressive. BBC Sport looks at how each of the four groups are shaping up - and who needs what to reach the quarter-finals.

What is the format at Euro 2025?

The top two teams from each of the four groups will progress to the quarter-finals, with the sides in third and fourth eliminated. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points at the end of the phase, the following criteria will determine their rankings:

  1. Most points won in matches between those teams
  2. Goal difference in matches between those teams
  3. Goals scored in matches between those teams
  4. If teams still have an equal ranking, the above criteria will be reapplied exclusively to matches between the remaining teams to determine rankings
  5. If teams are still level then goal difference across all group matches is used
  6. Then goals scored in all group matches
  7. Then Disciplinary record
  8. Then higher position in the overall European qualifiers

Group A

Norway became the first team to secure their place in the quarter-finals with a win over Finland on Sunday, combined with Switzerland's victory. They are guaranteed top spot because of their head-to-head record against both teams. Hosts Switzerland go into the final round of games knowing a point would see them progress via goal difference. Finland need to beat Switzerland to go through. Iceland are eliminated.

Group B

Spain will progress on Monday if they beat Belgium and Portugal fail to win against Italy. Italy will go through if they win and Belgium do not beat Spain. Belgium and Portugal could both be eliminated if they lose.

Group C

Eight-time winners Germany will progress to the last eight on Tuesday if they beat Denmark and Poland fail to beat Sweden. Sweden, who have progressed in the past eight tournaments, will be through if they win and Germany avoid defeat. Denmark and Poland could be eliminated with defeats.

Group D

The Netherlands, who won the tournament in 2017, will progress if they beat England and France avoid defeat by Wales. France will be through if they beat Wales and England fail to beat the Netherlands. Defending champions England will be out if they lose to the Netherlands and France are not beaten by Wales. Wales, in their first major tournament, will be eliminated if they lose to France and the Netherlands get a positive result against England.

What to Read Next

Spain's Euro 2025 Final Journey: A Redemption Story - Keira Walsh
Football

Spain's Euro 2025 Final Journey: A Redemption Story - Keira Walsh

Keira Walsh discusses Spain's Euro 2025 final, hoping they enjoy the game without past controversies overshadowing their incredible talent.

Norway's Euro 2025 Journey: Triumphs, Trials, and the Road to the Quarter-Finals
Football

Norway's Euro 2025 Journey: Triumphs, Trials, and the Road to the Quarter-Finals

Norway's impressive yet controversial journey in Euro 2025, from a flawless group stage to the critical quarter-final clash with Italy.

Scottish Premiership 2025: Key Storylines, Transfers, and Rising Stars
Football

Scottish Premiership 2025: Key Storylines, Transfers, and Rising Stars

Explore the latest updates, key transfers, and rising stars in the Scottish Premiership 2025 season. Dive into the drama and excitement of Scotland's top football league.

England Optimistic Leah Williamson Will Lead in Euro 2025 Semi-Final Clash Against Italy
Football

England Optimistic Leah Williamson Will Lead in Euro 2025 Semi-Final Clash Against Italy

England remains hopeful that captain Leah Williamson will recover in time to lead the team in the Euro 2025 semi-finals against Italy.

Scottish Premiership 2025-26 Season Preview: Key Insights and Team Strategies
Football

Scottish Premiership 2025-26 Season Preview: Key Insights and Team Strategies

Explore the comprehensive preview of the Scottish Premiership 2025-26 season, including team strategies, key player insights, and what to expect from each club.

Fabio Sets New Global Record: Surpasses Shilton in Football Appearances
Football

Fabio Sets New Global Record: Surpasses Shilton in Football Appearances

Fluminense's goalkeeper Fabio breaks Peter Shilton's record for most competitive appearances in football history.

Crystal Palace Faces Fredrikstad or Midtjylland in Europa Conference League Amid Appeal
Football

Crystal Palace Faces Fredrikstad or Midtjylland in Europa Conference League Amid Appeal

Crystal Palace drawn against Fredrikstad or Midtjylland in Europa Conference League play-offs while awaiting UEFA appeal decision.

Remembering Joey Jones: A Tribute to the Legendary Wales and Liverpool Defender
Football

Remembering Joey Jones: A Tribute to the Legendary Wales and Liverpool Defender

A heartfelt tribute to Joey Jones, the iconic Wales and Liverpool defender, who passed away at 70, leaving behind a legacy of triumphs and memories.

Alvaro Morata Slams Galatasaray Over Contract Dispute as Loan Deal Terminates Early
Football

Alvaro Morata Slams Galatasaray Over Contract Dispute as Loan Deal Terminates Early

Alvaro Morata criticizes Galatasaray for failing to honor commitments, leading to an early termination of his loan deal. The Spanish striker is now set for a new loan with Como.

German Mentality Shines: How Germany Plans to Overcome Spain in Euro 2025 Semi-Final
Football

German Mentality Shines: How Germany Plans to Overcome Spain in Euro 2025 Semi-Final

Discover how Germany's legendary mentality and resilience aim to secure a victory against Spain in the Euro 2025 semi-final.

League Two 2025-26 Season Preview: Teams to Watch and Key Players
Football

League Two 2025-26 Season Preview: Teams to Watch and Key Players

A comprehensive preview of the League Two 2025-26 season, highlighting key teams and players to watch.

Transfer Buzz: Newcastle & Man Utd Eye Jackson as Sesko Backup - Wednesday's Football Gossip
Football

Transfer Buzz: Newcastle & Man Utd Eye Jackson as Sesko Backup - Wednesday's Football Gossip

Discover the latest football transfer rumors as Newcastle and Man Utd consider Nicolas Jackson as a backup for Benjamin Sesko. Stay updated with Wednesday's football gossip.

Football Clubs Urged to Share £70M Policing Costs: A Call for Fair Funding
Football

Football Clubs Urged to Share £70M Policing Costs: A Call for Fair Funding

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley calls for football clubs to contribute to the £70 million policing costs, emphasizing fair funding and police reforms.

The Future of Alexander Isak: Liverpool and Newcastle's Striker Saga
Football

The Future of Alexander Isak: Liverpool and Newcastle's Striker Saga

Explore the latest developments in the Alexander Isak transfer saga involving Liverpool and Newcastle. Will he stay or move?

Mbappe's Spectacular Bicycle Kick and Garcia's Brilliance: Real Madrid's Selection Dilemma
Football

Mbappe's Spectacular Bicycle Kick and Garcia's Brilliance: Real Madrid's Selection Dilemma

Kylian Mbappe's stunning bicycle kick and Gonzalo Garcia's consistent brilliance create a selection headache for Real Madrid's manager Xabi Alonso as they prepare for the Club World Cup semi-final.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.